Interactions
An interaction occurs when a substance affects the effectiveness of the drug. Metoprolol oral tablets can interact with vitamins, herbs and other medications being used by the individual. These interactions may be dangerous and in order to prevent that, it is advised to talk to a doctor before starting this drug. Metoprolol can interact with some medications such as:
- Heart rhythm drugs: drugs like digoxin, propafenone, and quinidine are used to manage the heart rate. When used with metoprolol, it has a negative effect by decreasing the heart rate which can be life threatening.
- Drugs similar in processing to metoprolol: drugs like fluoxetine, bupropion, chlorpromazine, paroxetine are used to treat depression and other mood disturbances. When any of the drugs listed above is used with metoprolol, it increases the amount of metoprolol in the body which can be harmful.
- Dipyridamole: this is used to test the heart rate. If an individual is using metoprolol, the medication should be stopped before undergoing this test in order to get an accurate result.
- Mental health drugs: medications such as selegiline, tranylcypromine and phenelzine are monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) [5] used for treatment of mental issues. The effect of these drugs and metoprolol is that it causes lightheadedness and slow heart rate.
- Calcium channel blockers: these drugs also help to treat high blood pressure and therefore proper supervision from the doctor is needed before proceeding to use this drug with metoprolol. Combination of both drugs leads to decreased heart rate. Examples of these drugs are nifedipine, felodipine, nicardipine, verapamil and many more.
- Alpha-blockers: these are also used to reduce blood pressure. When combined with this medication, it may lead to low blood pressure which is very dangerous. These drugs are prazosin. Clonidine, reserpine, etc. when clonidine is used, it must not be stopped abruptly in order to avoid the blood pressure to increase drastically.